Temple Bet Yam launches capital fund-raising campaign

Special to The Record

Published Friday, October 21, 2005

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MERI MCCARTHY, president of Temple Bet Yam, presents preliminary plans for the new synagogue on the Wildwood Drive property in St. Augustine. She announced that pledges totaling more than half the anticipated building cost had already been received. Contributed photo

Temple Bet Yam, the Reform Jewish Congregation serving St. Johns County and surrounding areas, has launched a capital fund raising campaign dedicated toward building a new synagogue on its Wildwood Drive property purchased in 2003.

Meri McCarthy, president of the congregation, made the announcement during its recent High Holy Day services. McCarthy said the historic action was being undertaken after a professional study was completed to evaluate both the congregation's physical needs as well as its ability to achieve its financial goal.

McCarthy indicated that in addition to the property's natural beauty, its location just off Route 207 was ideally situated for easy access to congregants living in Flagler, Duval, and Putnam counties as well as those living in St. Johns County.

McCarthy also announced that the congregation had already received pledges totaling more than half of its financial goal.

Rabbi Mark Goldman, Temple Bet Yam's spiritual leader, expressed his enthusiastic support for his congregation's positive move predicting that having a home of their own would facilitate further growth. Goldman also reflected on the biblical quote from the Book of Exodus where God spoke to the early Israelites: "Build me a sanctuary so that I may dwell among you." Inspired by the quote, the campaign has been named the Mikdash Campaign. Mikdash is the Hebrew word for sanctuary.

The building campaign will be co-chaired by Barbara Stafford and Martin Cohen, past presidents of the congregation. Stafford recalled how she had been drawn to the congregation by its welcoming attitude toward all who walked through its doors, whether for spiritual, educational or social reasons. Wanting to reinforce this attitude which has led to the congregation's significant growth, Stafford went on to say, one of its goals was to build a facility that would not only serve as a synagogue but also as a community center which could be used by those of all faiths and all ages.

Cohen, a founding member of the congregation, reflected on how Temple Bet Yam has grown, noting that the congregation has shared the facilities with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Foundation since early 1994. "The relationship has been a positive and beneficial," he said. "We've just outgrown the facilities and now need a home of our own." Cohen further said McCarthy's announcement that the congregation had already achieved in excess of half its financial goal was yet another example how its members and friends have historically stepped forward when needed.

The congregation anticipates working with St. Augustine architect Don Crichlow. He was selected not only due to his creativity but also his flexibility to help the congregation fulfill its physical needs. Crichlow, a member of the American Institute of Architects, said "I look forward to working with Temple Bet Yam to help them realize their dream of a house of worship."

Temple Bet Yam currently is located at 2487 A1A S., and holds Sabbath services at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays of the month, as well as on observances for all major holidays. The religious school meets Sunday mornings. The congregation also has a full schedule of adult education and social activities.

Further information on the congregation or its building plans can be obtained by calling 471-9994.